Must-try Dishes
Chicken and Waffles - Juicy fried chicken served on a fluffy waffle, drizzled with maple syrup. Locals often enjoy this hearty breakfast combo during brunch hour, making it a lively weekend affair.
Arepas de Pabellón - Arepas with Shredded Beef - Cornmeal dough stuffed with tender, shredded beef, black beans, and cheese. Usually a popular street food, you'll find vendors serving them at food markets, often accompanied by a smile and a quick conversation.
Ribeye Steak - Grilled ribeye steak that’s juicy and marbled, seasoned simply with salt and pepper for maximum flavor. A common dinner choice among locals at steakhouses, it's best accompanied by a glass of red wine (you'll feel like a local fuss-free about sides).
Baked Crab Cakes - Croquetas de Cangrejo - Deliciously moist crab cakes made with lump crab meat and spices, baked to a golden brown. Frequently served at a local seafood joint, these are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
Half Smokes - A spicy smoked sausage served in a bun, commonly topped with onions and mustard. This staple of Washington street food is often savored at food trucks, especially during events and festivals where the scent wafts through the air.
Soft Shell Crabs - Crispy fried soft shell crabs, seasoned lightly and served with a squeeze of lemon. These are a seasonal delight in early summer, turning up on menus as locals catch the freshest catch from the Chesapeake Bay.
Gumbo - Gumbó de Mariscos - A rich seafood stew with shrimp, crab, and okra cooked slowly with spices for depth of flavor. A local favorite found in various eateries, it’s often enjoyed on cozy nights, taking me back to my grandmother's kitchen.
Chili Cheese Fries - Crispy fries topped with spicy chili and melted cheese, an indulgent comfort food option. This is a go-to late-night snack for locals, especially post-game or after a night out, devoured when the cravings hit.
Desserts & Drinks
Coffee - Espresso (strong black coffee) - A robust, concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. Many locals enjoy it at neighborhood cafes throughout the day, especially as a quick pick-me-up in the morning hustle. By the way, don't be surprised if you see people sipping it while standing at the bar—it's a social affair!
Cider - Hard Cider (fermented apple beverage) - Made from fresh apples, this drink is fermented to create a fruity, tangy beverage that's often bubbly. Locals often enjoy it during fall harvest season at breweries or outdoor picnics. Just remember that some ciders can be quite sweet—ask before you sip!
Gulab Jamun - गुलाब जामुन (sweet syrup-soaked balls) - These are soft, round balls made from milk solids, fried, and then soaked in a fragrant rose-water syrup. They’re a festive treat often served during celebrations like weddings and Diwali, typically enjoyed warm. A common mistake is assuming they're too sweet—trust me, the balance is just right!
Shaved Ice - Sno-cone (flavored ice dessert) - This refreshing treat consists of finely shaved ice topped with colorful flavored syrups, often enjoyed during sizzling summer days at local fairs or street festivals. It's fun to see the creativity in flavor combos locals choose; the blue raspberry is a popular favorite!
Tea - Iced Tea (sweetened cold tea) - A refreshing blend of black tea steeped and chilled, typically sweetened and served over ice. During hot summer afternoons, it’s a go-to for locals sipping at backyards or parks. Quick tip: always ask for “sweet” or “unsweet,” or you might end up with a surprising sweetness!
